Indian Navy Ship Kochi, a frontline destroyer of the Indian Navy, would be visiting Seychelles from 26 June – 04 July 2019 to participate in Seychelles National Day Celebrations and to undertake surveillance of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The deployment of Indian Naval ship Kochi adds yet another chapter to the strong defense and maritime cooperation between Seychelles and India. The Indian Navy has been undertaking bi-annual deployment towards surveillance of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone in joint operations with Seychelles Coast Guard for the past few years in pursuance of a Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. The last such deployment was by Indian Naval Ship Sarvekshak in February 2019.

Indian Navy Ship Kochi will also participate in Seychelles National Day celebrations. As a tradition, contingents from Indian Armed Forces have been participating in the National Day Celebrations of Seychelles since 1976 and various ships have visited Port Victoria in the past for the same. As part of celebrations this year, a 25 Men Marching Contingent and the internationally acclaimed Indian Naval Band embarked onboard the warship will take part in the prestigious annual Republic of Seychelles Military Parade on 29th June 2019.

During ship’s stay at Port Victoria, the Commanding Officer and ship’s staff will also hold interactions with various authorities from the Government of Seychelles and the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. The ship’s officers and crew will also participate in several philanthropic, sporting and cultural activities during their stay in Seychelles.

INS Kochi (D64) is the second ship of the Kolkata class stealth guided missile destroyers built for the Indian Navy and was commissioned into the Indian Naval service on 30 September 2015. She was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. INS Kochi is the most potent amongst the surface combatants that have been constructed in India. It measures 164 meters in length and approximately 17 meters in width, with a full load displacement of 7500 tonnes. INS Kochi derives her name from the vibrant port city of Kochi. This is a tribute to the city’s distinct maritime character and culture, and symbolises the special bond between the Indian Navy and the city of Kochi. The ship’s crest depicts a sword and a shield together with a Snake Boat riding on the blue and white ocean waves, which symbolise the Malabar region’s rich maritime heritage and martial traditions. The crew of the ship abides by the Sanskrit motto “Jahi Shatrun Mahabaho” which means “Oh mighty armed one… conquer the enemy”. At the helm of the ship is Captain Dalip Singh. He is assisted by a team of professional and highly motivated officers and sailors.

While in Seychelles, the ship will be docked at Port Victoria and will be open to visitors on Saturday, 29th June 2019 from 12 to 5 PM. All are cordially invited.